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Welding

Nov. 3 2022 Safety By Pattison Agriculture

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What will we do today to prevent an incident? 

Welding is a joining process in which metals, or sometimes plastics, are heated, melted and mixed to produce a joint with A welder who is repairing a crack on a tank, and another worker, are thrown back when the tank explodes. properties similar to those of the materials being joined. 


What are the hazards?

The four most common welding hazards are electrical shock, fumes and gases, fire and explosion, and physical hazards. 


What Can Happen?

Scenario 1: A welder was repairing a crack in a tanker truck that contained waste oil. An assistant was on top of the tanker pressurizing the tank with compressed air so the welder could locate the leak. Compressed air containing combustible vapours escaped from the crack. As soon as the welding rod touched the tank, there was a powerful explosion. The welder was thrown against a wall, and the assistant was seriously injured when he was thrown to the ground. 


Based on the scenario above, here are some questions that could be used to start discussion:

1. How could these injuries have been prevented? 

2. Were the workers trained on a safe work procedure? 

3. Why didn’t the workers clean and ventilate the container? 

4. Why wasn’t the space tested with a Lower Explosive Limits (LEL) monitor? 


What actions can you take to reduce welding hazards in your workplaces?

Before performing any welding activities it is important to minimize the risk of injury and/or illness. Many welding hazards can be controlled with engineering controls, improved work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Here are some tips to minimize risk:

  • Ensure welding equipment is properly inspected before starting work. 
  • Ensure the welding machine is grounded to the electrical panel input into the building and the work piece is grounded separately. 
  • Ensure lockout procedures are followed for any repairs. 
  • Substitute welding wires for those that generate less smoke and fumes. 
  • Keep fumes and gases from the breathing zone of the workers (directly and indirectly) through proper ventilation, local exhaust systems and approved respirator use. 
  • Keep a suitable Class ABC fire extinguisher and fire watcher nearby while welding. 
  • All flammable and combustible materials within 15 metres of the work must be protected against ignition. 
  • Follow all hot work requirements. 
  • Use PPE that meets the requirements of CSA-W117.2-12, Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes, including a welding helmet and goggles to help protect workers’ eyes and head from hot slag, sparks, intense heat and light (arc flash), and chemical burns. 
  • Use fire- and electricity-resistant clothing, hand shields, welding gloves, aprons and boots. 
  • Do not use any clothing or garments that have cuffs or have been exposed to flammable residue. 
  • Implement a hearing conservation program for areas with noise in excess of 80 dBA. 
  • Ensure proper ergonomics through workbench design, positioning aids and regular breaks